On the occasion of the World Arabic Language Day, Umm Al-Qura University (UQU), represented by the Institute of Arabic Language for Non-native Speakers, organized a seminar titled, “Ways of Arabic Language Spread Reinforcement.” The event, which was held at Prince Faisal bin Fahd Hall in Al-Aziziyah Headquarters, witnessed the participation of the Institute’s scholarship students and the presence of Consul Omar Madaman, Thai Consul to KSA, Dr. Hassan Al-Bukhari, Dean of the Institute, the vice deans and staff members.

The program of the seminar included poetry recitation, “My Experience with Arabic” presented by Teachers Preparation Department students, demonstration of some students’ contributions in Arabic language spread in their countries, “Mother of Languages” Reflection, and a play by a number of students.

Within this framework, Dr. Hassan Al-Bukhari, Dean of the Institute, said, “Today we reinforce the spread of Arabic language. This is evident as the Department of Arabic Language Teaching embraces students upon their arrival. Then, it implants Arabic language principles into their hearts and lets them blossom and bear fruit. Students afterwards go ahead to reap the blessings of such honorable language at UQU Colleges, and therefore be qualified at the Department of Teachers Preparation. You have heard and seen their steps of cherishing the language into their hearts then letting it on their tongues in order for themselves to become beacons of knowledge and enlightenment in their countries, which truly reinforces the spread of Arabic language.”  

In the same context, Dr. Al-Bukhari explained that the event came within the framework of the attention paid by the Saudi State (May Allah Save It!) towards such blessed honorable transcendental message of Arabic language spread, and care for Muslims by receiving them with scholarships to draw on knowledge and carry the torch of guidance from the land that Allah had chosen to be the focus of mankind guidance. He explained, “The Institute and its professors seek through you the preservation, spread, sublimity and support of the Arabic language. Thus, give me your hands that accept, face and spread such challenge to horizons; serve your religion by serving its language; wave the flag of Islam all over the world to serve, spread and support such language among Muslims.”

He added that the deep-rooted UQU was proud of the Institute; it was considered the University’s window overlooking the outside world; it was its blessed bridge that extended to East and West and upon which hundreds of knowledge-thirsty Muslims flooded into UQU then returned to their countries as leaders and guides; may Allah help them benefit the world!  He concluded his speech by extending thanks to the President of Umm Al-Qura University (UQU), Dr. Bakri bin Maatooq Assas, for his continuous support for and follow-up of the institute, its programs and activities.   

On the other hand, Consul Omar Madaman, Thai Consul to KSA, displayed that Muslims in Thailand depended upon Arabic as the mother tongue of the Islamic nation. He noted that Muslims in Thailand paid great attention towards the Arabic language and its sciences, and worked to found related schools. In addition, he pointed out that Thailand contained 4600 mosques, each of which included a school for Qur’an and Arabic language as a start; as for those who wanted education and specific Arabic learning, they came to KSA. He noted that the number of Thai students at UQU and the Islamic University reached about 190 students.